Sadhguru says that distancing from the mind is not about silencing thoughts, but about realizing you are not the thoughts themselves.
Article | July 28, 1980
Sadhguru: The mind is a complex and powerful entity, constantly buzzing with thoughts, emotions, memories, and perceptions. It is the epicentre the centre of human experiences, determining how we interact with the world, respond to situations, and form our identity. However, the same mind can become a source of great suffering. Thoughts can overwhelm us, emotions can imprison us, and our perceptions can distort reality, leading to inner turmoil. In this context, the ancient wisdom of distancing oneself from the mind emerges as a profound solution to cultivate peace, clarity, and spiritual growth.
In this article, we will explore the meaning of distancing oneself from the mind, its necessity, and the practices and wisdom that can help achieve this state. We will delve into philosophical perspectives, psychological insights, and spiritual practices, drawing from traditions like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness to uncover the path to transcending the mind's grip and finding true freedom.
Shambhavi - A Path to Inner Peace
Understanding the Nature of the Mind
Before we can distance ourselves from the mind, it is essential to understand its nature. The mind is not a singular entity but a multi-layered mechanism comprising thoughts, emotions, desires, memories, and intellect. It is ceaselessly active, moving from one thought to another, much like a monkey jumping from branch to branch—hence the term "monkey mind."
The Three Layers of the Mind
According to yogic philosophy, the mind can be divided into three primary layers:
Manas: This is the sensory mind, which constantly receives and processes sensory inputs. It reacts to the world through perception and instinctive responses.
Buddhi: The intellect, which analyzes, judges, and discerns. Buddhi helps us make decisions, understand concepts, and apply logic, but it can also trap us in overthinking and mental analysis.
Chitta: The subconscious mind, which stores all memories, impressions, and latent tendencies (samskaras). Chitta is responsible for our deep-rooted conditioning and patterns, often influencing behaviour without conscious awareness.
The interplay of these layers keeps the mind engaged in a perpetual loop of thinking, reacting, and interpreting, making it difficult to experience inner silence or stillness. When we remain attached to the mind's constant fluctuations, we become its servant, driven by impulses, desires, and fears.
The Mind as a Tool, Not the Master
While the mind is crucial for navigating the external world, it is not the essence of who we are. Many spiritual traditions emphasize that the mind is merely a tool, a functional instrument of consciousness, but not the true self. The true self, or atman in Indian philosophy, transcends the mind and exists beyond thoughts and emotions. Distancing oneself from the mind means recognizing this deeper self and not being ensnared by the endless chatter of the mental realm.
The Necessity of Distancing From the Mind
Distancing oneself from the mind is essential for several reasons, primarily because the mind's uncontrolled nature can lead to stress, anxiety, and suffering. Moreover, attachment to the mind limits our perception of reality, keeping us bound to a superficial understanding of life.
Mental Overload and Stress
In today's fast-paced world, the mind is bombarded with information, stimuli, and distractions, causing mental overload. The more we engage with external distractions—social media, work demands, and societal expectations—the more fragmented our attention becomes. This leads to stress, anxiety, and a sense of being overwhelmed. By distancing ourselves from the mind, we can create a mental space to observe thoughts without being consumed by them, reducing stress and anxiety.
Emotional Turmoil
The mind is not only the source of thoughts but also the centre of emotions. When we identify too closely with the mind, we become entangled in emotional highs and lows. Feelings of anger, jealousy, fear, and sadness arise from the mind's interpretations of situations. By distancing ourselves, we can observe these emotions without reacting impulsively, allowing us to navigate life with more emotional resilience.
Breaking Free From Conditioned Patterns
The subconscious mind (Chitta) holds deep-seated conditioning from past experiences, often shaping our behaviour and reactions. These patterns, known as samskaras, can perpetuate negative cycles of thought and action. Distancing ourselves from the mind allows us to identify these patterns and break free from them, leading to personal transformation and spiritual evolution.
Finding Inner Stillness
The ultimate purpose of distancing oneself from the mind is to experience inner stillness, a state where thoughts no longer dominate our awareness. In this stillness, we can access our true essence—pure consciousness, free from mental disturbances. It is in this state that we find peace, clarity, and connection with the greater reality of existence.
Practices to Distance Yourself From the Mind
Distancing oneself from the mind is not about suppressing thoughts or emotions but about cultivating a sense of detachment and observation. Several ancient and modern practices can help achieve this state.
Meditation
Meditation is one of the most effective practices for distancing oneself from the mind. Through meditation, we train the mind to focus on the present moment, allowing thoughts to pass by without attachment.
Mindfulness Meditation: This involves focusing on the breath, sensations, or present moment without judgment. By observing the mind's activity, we begin to see thoughts as transient phenomena rather than identifying with them. Over time, this practice creates a sense of detachment and distance from the mind.
Mantra Meditation: Repeating a mantra (a sacred sound or word) helps focus the mind and reduce mental chatter. By focusing on the sound of the mantra, the practitioner can transcend the mind's distractions and enter a state of inner silence.
Self-Inquiry Swadhyay
The practice of self-inquiry or Swadhyay is required not only by the sadhaks but also by every human being. Swadhay involves asking the question, "Who am I?" This question is not meant to provoke intellectual analysis but to direct awareness toward the deeper self beyond the mind. Through this inquiry, one comes to realize that the mind, with all its thoughts and emotions, is not the true self. As this understanding deepens, a natural distance from the mind arises.
Breath Awareness (Pranayama)
Pranayama, or breath control, is a powerful yogic practice that helps calm the mind and bring awareness to the present moment. By focusing on the breath, we interrupt the mind's constant activity, creating a space of stillness. Techniques like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) and Ujjayi (victorious breath) can balance the nervous system and reduce mental agitation, making it easier to distance oneself from the mind.
Witness Consciousness (Sakshi Bhava)
The concept of Sakshi Bhava refers to the state of being a witness to the mind's activities. This practice involves observing thoughts, emotions, and experiences as if they are happening to someone else. Instead of getting caught up in the mind's drama, the practitioner maintains a sense of detachment and neutrality. This practice helps develop the ability to distance oneself from mental fluctuations and experience inner calm.
Physical Practices (Hatha Yoga)
Hatha Yoga, the physical branch of yoga, helps create a connection between the body and mind. Through the practice of asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing techniques), Hatha Yoga helps reduce mental agitation and brings the practitioner into the present moment. The focus required during physical practice naturally distances the mind from distractions, leading to mental clarity and stillness.
Living Mindfully
While meditation and yoga are powerful tools, the practice of distancing oneself from the mind can extend into daily life through mindful living. Mindfulness means paying full attention to the present moment, whether washing dishes, walking, or having a conversation. By staying fully present, we reduce the mind's tendency to wander into thoughts of the past or future. Over time, this practice trains the mind to stay in the here and now, reducing its control over our lives.
Spiritual Perspectives on Distancing from the Mind
Throughout history, various spiritual and philosophical traditions have offered insights into the nature of the mind and how to distance oneself from it. Here, we explore some of these perspectives.
Advaita Philosophy
In Advaita Philosophy, the mind is multifaceted, which obscures our true nature. The teachings emphasize that our true self is beyond the mind and its activities. Through self-inquiry and meditation, one can recognize the illusory nature of the mind and identify with the Atman (pure consciousness). Distancing oneself from the mind, in this context, is about realizing that the mind is not the ultimate reality and that the self is ever free and untouched by thoughts and emotions. Here Sadhak need practice under Shambhabi Shaktipat Sadhana and keeps himself in a state of 'Drashatabhav'.
The Impermanence of Thoughts
Nath Yoga and our ancient Kaula Tradition teach that all mental phenomena are impermanent and constantly changing. Thoughts, emotions, and perceptions arise and pass away, much like clouds in the sky. By cultivating mindfulness and insight, one can see the transient nature of thoughts and stop identifying with them. This understanding helps practitioners distance themselves from the mind and attain a state of equanimity and peace.
Flowing with the Present
Nigam Tantro emphasizes living in harmony with the Way, which involves letting go of the mind's desires and attachments. Nigam teaches that by aligning with the flow of life and nature, we can distance ourselves from the mind's constant striving and grasping. Through practices like Shambhabi, Nigam cultivates a state of presence and flow, where the mind becomes quiet, and awareness expands.
The Role of Detachment in Distancing from the Mind
Detachment is a key concept in many spiritual traditions and plays a central role in distancing oneself from the mind. Detachment does not mean indifference or apathy but a state of non-attachment to the outcomes of thoughts, actions, and desires. When we practice detachment, we no longer allow the mind's desires and fears to dictate our sense of well-being.
Detachment from Desires
Desire is one of the primary forces that keeps the mind active. The mind constantly seeks fulfilment through external objects, achievements, and experiences. However, the nature of desire is that it is never truly satisfied; once one desire is fulfilled, another arises. By practising detachment from desires, we can free ourselves from the mind's endless cravings and find contentment in the present moment.
Detachment from Thoughts
Thoughts are like passing clouds; they come and go without any lasting substance. Yet, we often become attached to our thoughts, believing them to be an essential part of who we are. Detachment from thoughts means recognizing that we are not our thoughts—they are simply mental phenomena. By observing thoughts without attachment, we create space between ourselves and the mind.
The Freedom Beyond the Mind
Distancing oneself from the mind is not about rejecting the mind or suppressing its activities. It is about recognizing that the mind, with all its thoughts, emotions, and desires, is not the ultimate truth of who we are. By cultivating practices like meditation, mindfulness, self-inquiry, and detachment, we can create a healthy distance between ourselves and the mind, allowing us to live with greater peace, clarity, and freedom.
When we distance ourselves from the mind, we step into a state of witness consciousness, where we can observe the mind's fluctuations without being swept away by them. In this state, we experience the true essence of our being—pure awareness, untouched by the mind's drama. This is the path to inner peace and the realization of our highest potential.
In the words of the Bhagavad Gita, "The mind is restless, turbulent, strong, and unyielding. But it can be controlled by constant practice and detachment." Distancing yourself from the mind is a journey of self-mastery and spiritual awakening, leading to a life of true freedom, joy, and fulfilment.
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